South Street is Barbara G. Menschs evocative tribute to the lost world of Lower Manhattans Fulton Fish Market. For more than a century; a colorful; tightly knit community of fishmongers; many of them recent immigrants and children of immigrants; thrived under the base of the Brooklyn Bridge. Resistant to government regulations and corporate encroachment; these men lived in a closed; internally policed world that was deeply hostile to outsiders.As a young photographer in the early 1980s; Mensch bonded with this particular group of "authentic New Yorkers;" becoming a confidante for their life stories; which were often filled with hardship; mystery; and misadventures. These striking photographs capture the unique personality and fierce secrecy of their vibrant working-class culture. Combined with lively commentary mdash;reminiscent of Studs Terkels riveting oral histories mdash;the images offer a rare peek inside a society described by Philip Lopate as "a precious last vestige of historic Gotham."Menschs story ends with the closure of the docks and the opening of the Seaport mall; a symbolic victory of corporate interests over more than a century of mob rule. Her visual essay recounts the driving forces and the effects of this urban transformation on the entrenched community of fishmongers; creating an enduring historical document. Though the Fulton Fish Market no longer resides below the Brooklyn Bridge; the history and energy of this cherished New York City landmark are beautifully preserved in this book.
#948781 in eBooks 2004-10-11 2004-10-11File Name: B009SADIC0
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. UsefulBy CMLWhile this book is not a textbook on classical architecture. it is the most useful book Ive found for "jumping" into the middle of design projects and getting some clarity on why certain designs "make sense" and others are just ignorant ideas. Regular referencing of the book will give any novice a conversant understanding of classical architecture. Most of the book is based in principle. but on ocassion the author slips into personal preference in dogmatic assertions about various designs.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. fabulous book!By i love norgeI only wish I had known about this book six months earlier! Were attempting to build a period-inspired colonial house. I was so dissatisfied with the house plans I saw that I decided to just design the house myself using library books and determination. I wanted to build something beautiful and the "anti-McMansion". If only I had had this book earlier we wouldve done so many things differently: my second floor windows wouldve been shorter to accommodate all the stuff thats supposed to be under the eaves but now wont fit. I wouldve put the little stoop in a different spot. My dormers would have different proportions. The only problem with reading this book is that now when I look at our house I see all the things I did wrong.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good service. The book is a great resource for ...By CustomerGood service. The book is a great resource for anybody who wants to build a traditional house the right way.
